Wings goalie to be grand marshal for NASCAR's Quicken Loans 400

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DETROIT – For the second time in three years, a player will represent the Red Wings during a NASCAR event at the Michigan International Speedway.

Goalie Jimmy Howard will serve as the grand marshal, giving the command for drivers to start their engines, at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans 400 at MIS on Father’s Day, June 17.

Joining the Red Wings’ goalie will be Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola, who will wave the green flag as the race’s honorary starter.

“It is great to have two professional athletes synonymous with Detroit to join us at MIS,” track president Roger Curtis said. “Their records and accomplishments speak for themselves as they each lead their respective teams and are true superstars. Howard and Raiola are each truly two of the greats in their leagues, and we are honored they could join us for the Quicken Loans 400.”

Two years ago, recently retired Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom served as the honorary pace car driver for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 at MIS (SEE VIDEO ABOVE). Lidstrom paced the 43-car field in a 2010 Ford Mustang GT pace car, a job usually reserved for NASCAR’s Brett Bodine.

“I’m a NASCAR fan,” Howard said, “so I’m thrilled to share Father’s Day with my dad at the Quicken Loans 400 at MIS.”

MIS tickets are on sale. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for Quicken Loans 400 can be purchased online at MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010.